DARRY"S GIRL CHAPPIE 6

After leaving the house, I opened the car door for Sherri. It was a nice night out.

Getting in the driver's side, I paused to look at her. "You look beautiful tonight," I told her.

"Thank you," she blushed prettily. "Where are we going?" Sherri asked shyly.

"Ummm well I hope you don't mind, but I thought …I mean I wanted to spend some time alone with you, so I made a picnic. I know it's a little chilly out, but…..," my voice trailed off.

"I think it's a lovely idea. A Thanksgiving picnic," she said giggling a little. Pulling away from the curb, I held out my hand until she laced hers with it. I headed out to the lake; the evening was cool, but luckily not to cool.

Once there we fed the ducks, talked quietly about anything that came to mind and took a walk as the sunset and the stars came out to greet us.

I feasted my eyes on Sherri. I desperately needed to touch her, to run my fingers through her red hair, feel the soft skin I knew she was hiding under the nice shirt she wore. I didn't though because I knew one touch would not be enough.

Finally we found a nice spot and sat down. I placed the picnic basket beside us.

"Ponyboy made dinner for us," I told her pulling out ham and cheese sandwiches, chips, chocolate cake and hot chocolate.

"I think it's the best picnic I've ever been on," Sherri said tenderly. "How are Pony and Soda doing?" she asked as I handed her a cup of cocoa.

"They are both doing better, but it's so different now. I don't normally have time for dates and such. Sherri, it's so hard trying to balance everything out. Work takes up so much of my time and what's left goes to my brother's, however, I find myself wanting you to be in there somewhere. I want to spend more time with you," I admitted.

"Ponyboy should come first," she told me softly knowing that my family was important to me.

"Exactly, but there has to be more," I glanced toward the water. She took my plate and set both of them aside. I pulled her to me and we kissed passionately. When we parted, my eyes stared deeply into hers for a long moment.

"Do you want kids Sherri?" I asked stunning her because I know she wasn't expecting it.

"Someday I do," She whispered leaning against me. "Do you?"

"Yeah, I do after Pony is through college and I meet the right woman," I told her. We watched the water, I was leaning against the tree and Sherri raised her face for my kiss that went on and on. Her tongue traced my lips until I opened them to her and I tasted her sweet mouth. I finally had to pull away.
"No, don't stop," she begged.

"We have to Sherri, before we lose all control," I told her raggedly.

"Why, don't you want me?" She asked quietly.

"Oh Sherri," I whispered stroking her hair. "God, yes, more than anything, but I want to do this right. I don't have time for games and I don't want to mess something up that could turn out to be a great thing with us," I explained.
"I understand, but can you hold me for awhile?" She wanted to know.

"Of course for as long as you want me to," I replied before we grew quiet and watched the stars.

It was 11PM when I pulled up outside her house. I walked her to the door.

"Thank you for a lovely evening," Sherri said.

"Your welcome, thanks for going with me. Will I see you tomorrow?" I asked since it was Thanksgiving.

"I'd like to. Mom has a big dinner planned, but I can get away around 5 though," she smiled at me.

"I'll see you then," I kissed her on the cheek and walked back to my car.

When I got home Soda and Steve were still up, but no sign of Pony.

"Where's Pony?" I asked walking in the door.

"He went to ed awhile ago," Steve answered.

'Hey Superman, how did it go?" Soda asked his brown eyes twinkling.

"Fine, I think I'm going to turn in now. Don't stay up too late," I said on my way down the hall. I stopped and checked on Pony, who was sleeping peacefully.

"We won't," they called back. Half an hour later silence settled over the house.

I was actually humming when Pony stumbled into the kitchen the next morning.

"I guess you had a good night," he said sitting at the table.

"Yes, I did. I already got the turkey in the oven. Sherry is stopping by around 5," I told him watching Pony's reaction and hoping my little brother didn't throw a fit.

"Are you happy dating Cherry?" Pony wanted to know.

"We've only had a few dates little one, but yes I am very happy," I was quiet a minute studying Ponyboy. "Pony, is this all right with you?" I asked gently.

"It bothered me at first, but I'm glad that you found someone to be happy with," he said standing up.

"Go wake Sodapop up, we still have a lot to do today. Pony, don't pick a fight with Steve today," I told him sternly.

"I won't Darry," he promised heading to the bedroom. I followed and stood just outside the door.

"Soda, wake up," he jumped on the bed.

"Go away Pony," Soda mumbled sleepily.

"Darry said to get up. Steve and Two-Bit will be here soon," Pony sat on the bed.

"Are you okay Pony?" Soda asked sleepily.

"I don't know Soda, I still miss Johnny," he cried.

I started to step into the room, but Soda held up his hand to stop me.

"I know you do kiddo, you probably always will, but Johnny wouldn't want you o be sad," he pulled our younger brother into a hug.

"Let's go help Darry," he suggested knowing as I did that Pony needed to be kept busy. I met Soda's gaze and smiled before hurrying into the kitchen so Pony wouldn't know I'd heard them.

"Breakfast is ready," I called setting plates on the table.

"Darry, Pony and me will help straighten up the house so we won't embarrass you," Soda said mixing grape jelly with his eggs.

"You guys don't embarrass me," I said staring at them. "Why would you even think that?"

"Because Cherry is a soc and she's coming here," Pony mumbled around his food.

"I don't care who is coming here, I am not ashamed of my family or home. If Sherri has a problem with you, which she don't, then it will be dealt with," I assured them finishing my coffee.

The rest of our morning was spent cooking, cleaning and after Two-Bit arrived goofing off. Around 1PM Steve showed up and soon after that Dinner was on the table. I insisted that each of us say what we were thankful for.

"Pony, you start," I commanded as we joined hands.

"I'm thankful for you and Soda," he murmured.

Soda went next. "I'm thankful for my brothers and good friends."

"I'm thankful for my family and friends," Two-Bit said.

"I'm thankful for my friends," Steve said as all eyes turned to me. I squeezed Pony's hand, clearing my throat.

"I'm thankful for my family, friends, old memories and new beginnings," I told them in a strong voice.